Sleeper Dreams Still Parked: Vande Bharat Awaits Green Signal

The much-awaited Vande Bharat sleeper trains, which are supposed to revolutionize India's overnight train journeys, are not yet receiving the final regulatory clearance even though the speed trials have been successfully conducted and production of several trainsets has been completed. The suspense has kept rail fans and commuters waiting for a word.

 

Key Highlights:

 

•⁠  ⁠The BEML-ICF together constructed 16-coach prototype Vande Bharat sleeper train has already carried out speed trials for the first time at 160 km/h, but is yet to get the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) operational clearance.

 

•⁠  ⁠The CRS expressed concerns regarding design and safety features, to which concerns were met, officials said; no serious electrical or mechanical issues were found.

 

•⁠  ⁠Ten of the sleeper trains have already been produced by BEML, and others from ICF are in the pipeline, awaiting approval for commercial roll-out.

 

•⁠  ⁠Indian Railways will operate 30 Vande Bharat sleeper trains in 2025–26 on high-density routes like Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai.

 

•⁠  ⁠The sleeper option offers faster, more convenient overnight travel with upgraded amenities and safety features like Kavach.

 

Prospects: Once cleared by the regulators, the Vande Bharat sleeper trains will transform the landscape of long-distance travel in India, promising speed, comfort, and next-generation facilities. Until then, the railway sector and commuters keep their fingers crossed with the hope of a quick clearance of the last hurdle.

 

Sources: The New Indian Express, Trak.in, Indian Express, Times of India